Sunday, 10 July 2011

10 Ideas for Caring for the Older Horse

Because of advances in nutrition, management and health care, horses live more time, more useful lives. Its not uncommon to find horses and ponies living fine into their 20s and 30s. As genetics play a role in determining life span, you too, may have some an effect.

You might believe that turning your old-timer out to field is the kindest type of retirement. But horses are individuals. Some like being alone others like better to be part of the action. Anything you do, dont ignore the horse. Correct diet, care and exercise will help the animal thrive. Go after these rules from the Us Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to develop a complete management strategy for your grown-up horse:

Observe your horse on an everyday basis. Watch for changes in body state, manners and attitude. Deal with problems, even seemingly slight ones, quickly.
Feed a top quality diet. Avoid dusty and bad feeds.
Feed your older horse away from younger, more aggressive ones so it wont have to fight for feed.
Feed at more frequent intervals so as not to upset the digestive system. Two to three times daily is best.
Provide a lot of fresh, clean, tepid water. Excessively cold water reduces consumption, which can cause colic and other troubles. Regulate and balance rations to maintain correct body conditions. A great rule of thumb is to be able to feel the ribs but not see them.
Provide satisfactory, appropriate exercise to keep muscle tone, flexibility and mobility.
Groom your horse regularly to promote motion and skin health.
Be aware that elder horses are prone to tumors. Discover any odd lumps or growths from head to tail along with beneath the tail (especially on gray horses).
Schedule routine checkups with your equine veterinarian. Call immediately if you suspect a problem.

We guess it's very important for you to keep your old horse in good state, so spend a time to learn please. You want to thank your old friend so just abit care for it and it will live much much longer. Keep the simple, very simple, rules above and it will definitely happen, you can stop to worry about it. It will not take for you much time, but you must provide constant continuous attention and carer to your animal. Remember it always: the more you'll think about it the more it will be with you together.Just think about it and we are sure all will go well.

A quick answer to ailments, injuries or a decline in fitness can keep the adult horse from having a heavy or continuous setback. That means less worry for you and a better quality of living for your old comrade.

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